Stories
These global stories are about the power of Special Olympics to inspire hope, confidence and courage. Special Olympics changes the lives of our athletes with intellectual disabilities but also our coaches, families, volunteers and others who have the opportunity to take part.
Team Estonia’s Helen Nääme Sails into DanceSport Finals!
Special Olympics Estonia athlete Helen Nääme kicked off the Games by leading her delegation in the Parade of Athletes at Opening Ceremony.
3 Min Read
Shane's Journey of Determination to World Games
If you were to see Shane François Bentley today—gliding on the ice, defending on the soccer field, or diving into a swimming pool—you’d never guess the mountain of challenges he’s had to overcome.
3 Min Read
When Special Olympics Finds You: An Unexpected Intersection of Medicine, Sport and Inclusion
While pursuing his medical degree at the University of Nairobi, Dr. Gome was an avid basketball player, dedicating his Saturdays to the sport he loved.
1 Min Read
Global Youth Leadership Summit World Winter Games Turin 2025
The final day of the Global Youth Leadership Summit focused on sustaining long-term change.
1 Min Read
Young Athletes Take the Floor
Pala Giani Asti was a party this morning as over 200 children from 7 area schools gathered for Special Olympics Young Athletes.
1 Min Read
Snowboarder Earns First Medal of Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025!
Gonzalo Escobar from Special Olympics Chile earned the first medal of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025!
1 Min Read
Everyone Belongs in Sport: MATP Skiers Take to the Slopes in Powerful Sport Demonstration
Yesterday marks a historic day for the Special Olympics Motor Activity Training Program (MATP) when the first-ever MATP Demonstration took place at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025.
1 Min Read
Leveling the Field: Ugandan Youth Leading Change Through Soccer and Basketball
Their shared love of soccer has brought them not only friendship but also a powerful mission: to unite children with and without intellectual disabilities through sports—and to fight bullying in their community.
1 Min Read
Nearly 1,900 Health Screenings Performed in Three Days at Special Olympics Healthy Athletes®
Over three days, Special Olympics Healthy Athletes®, made possible by the Golisano Foundation, conducted a total of 1,854 health screenings!
1 Min Read
Inspiring The Next Generation
For Special Olympics athlete, Veronica Diaz Rainieri, anything and everything is possible for everyone. A two-sport athlete in swimming and skiing, Diaz Rainieri is an inspiration for the youth in her native country of the Dominican Republic.
1 Min Read
A New Start: Special Olympics Malaysia Unified Floorball
Traveling to the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 means that Special Olympics Malaysia athlete Thamillarasan “Thamil” Satiaselen will be the furthest he’s ever been from his mother and brother.
4 Min Read
Let the Games Begin!
The Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 is underway! More than 1500 athletes have travelled to Turin, Italy from all over the globe. The Opening Ceremonies were incredible and highlighted impactful speeches, electric performances, and the unifying power of Special Olympics.